New to the world of waxing? Welcome! We’re thrilled you’re here and ready to embark on this journey to smooth, polished perfection. Waxing is a simple and very effective way to remove unwanted hair. Not only that, waxing results also last much longer than shaving with even better results.
If you’ve never waxed before, going into the studio for your first wax can be intimidating. But fear not — we got you! We’re here to answer all of your questions. Read on and discover what to know before a Brazilian or bikini wax to ensure a smooth, successful waxing experience!
What to do before a brazilian or bikini wax
Proper wax preparationoptimal results
Clean, dry, exfoliated skin is the best skin for waxing. We also recommend avoiding sun exposure for at least 48 hours before and after your wax.
Exfoliate to prepare the skin
Our expert Cerologists recommend exfoliating the bikini area that will be waxed for at least a few days leading up to your waxing appointment. Regularly exfoliating your skin [link to new exfoliation blog] can help prepare it before waxing appointments, making the wax more effective and helping prevent ingrown hairs. Thoroughly clean the bikini area, keeping the skin moist but not greasy from heavy lotions or oils.
Let the hair grow
Your hair should be between ¼-inch and ½-inch long (about the length of a grain of rice) for the most effective bikini or Brazilian waxing service.
If hair is too short, the wax won’t have a secure hold. This can make waxing more painful, require repeated waxing of the same area, or risk that the hair follicle won’t be fully removed. Therefore, it’s best to prepare for your waxing a couple of weeks beforehand and stop shaving.
Hair that’s longer than ½ inch can make the hair more prone to breakage, especially if you’re new to waxing. Essentially, the hair follicle won’t be removed and your results won’t last as long. Hairs that are too long can also cover up other hairs during a wax, which requires repeated waxes of the same area. If your hair is longer than half an inch, don’t worry! Our Cerologists will take care of any trimming that’s needed.
What to avoid before a bikini or brazilian wax
To ensure the best hair removal results, there are some things to avoid before a Brazilian or bikini waxing appointment:
- No shaving: Avoid shaving the pubic area for at least 2 to 3 weeks before your appointment to allow the hair to grow to the appropriate length.
- Tanning or sun exposure are no-no’s: Don’t tan the area to be waxed for at least 48 hours before your appointment, as this can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
- Avoid heavy exfoliation: While light exfoliation is good, avoid heavy or aggressive exfoliation right before your waxing session, as it can irritate your skin.
- Skip lotions and oils: On the day of your appointment, avoid applying any lotions, oils, or creams to the area to be waxed, as they can interfere with the waxing process.
Go for decaf: We know, this one could be tough. But caffeine can increase your sensitivity levels, so it might be worth it to you to skip the coffee before your next service
The medication and skin products to avoid pre-wax
There are a few skincare products that can make your wax less effective. One product, in particular, should never be used in tandem with waxing: retinol. Retinol — a popular anti-aging ingredient in skincare products — increases skin sensitivity.
If you use products with retinol in them, we suggest that you stop using them at least one week before your wax. That’s not feasible for many, but rest assured we’ve got a simple swap. Enter: Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is a plant-based, retinol alternative that provides all the anti-aging benefits without the harsh side effects.
Also note that certain medications — such as Retin A, Renova, or Accutane — can increase the rate at which your skin exfoliates, meaning you could risk removing skin during a wax.
Related: Why Plant-Based Retinol Is a Must-Have in Your Skincare Routine
How long does a brazilian or bikini wax last?
The more consistently you wax, the more you’ll enjoy longer-lasting results. A bikini or Brazilian wax typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks once you establish a waxing routine. This can vary depending on the style of the wax (how much hair is removed) and your personal preferences.
People who get bikini or Brazilian wax regularly might find that they can go as long as 5 or 6 weeks between hair removal appointments.
Related: How Long Does a Waxing Last? Here’s What You Need to Know [link to new blog once live]
Will my hair grow back differently?
Yes — in a good way! Every time you wax, your hair grows back softer and finer, which means each wax yields even better results than the last. It also means that hair becomes less noticeable over time while you’re in between waxes. The more consistently you wax, the better your waxing experience will be!
How long should I wait in between waxes?
It depends on the person, but you can typically wait between 2 to 4 weeks in between waxes. Again, you’ll want to wait until hair has grown out to at least ¼ of an inch, which can take different lengths of time for different people.
Remember, good things come to those who wait. So as tempting as it might be, it’s important not to shave between waxing appointments! It can make hair too short for effective waxing, and it will destroy the progress you’ve made towards softer, finer hair with previous waxes.
What does waxing feel like?
“Will it be painful?” This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is different for everyone. The first wax can be uncomfortable. But waxing more frequently will help with sensitivity as hair grows back finer and sparser!
Related: What to Expect in Your First Brazilian Wax
At Waxing The City, our Cerologists are here to make your experience as comfortable as possible, with expert techniques and special care. Plus, we use two types of specially formulated wax — both of which were designed to both minimize discomfort and eliminate hair breakage.
If you’re still worried about managing sensitivity, we recommend taking an ibuprofen or aspirin roughly 30 minutes before your appointment. Our Cerologists will also prep the area with our pre-wax serum, which desensitizes the area for maximum comfort.
Ready for smooth, exfoliated, and softer skin this season? Find the WTC location nearest you to get started. (Psst! If you’re new to Waxing the City, you’ll get 20% off your first wax.)
Next step? Booking your wax appointment!
Head to our studio locator to find a Waxing the City near you.
